My Wines

My Cellar

Churchill’s – the First Independent British Port Shipper in over 70 years. Extracted from the Vine, Clive Coates MW. Despite the fact that there was no longer any family firm to apprentice himself to, Johnny Graham arrived in Oporto in 1973. He got a job as a trainee with Cockburn’s and for the next 8 years worked closely with the ex partner John Smithes in the tasting room... Read more

Churchill’s – the First Independent British Port Shipper in over 70 years. Extracted from the Vine, Clive Coates MW. Despite the fact that there was no longer any family firm to apprentice himself to, Johnny Graham arrived in Oporto in 1973. He got a job as a trainee with Cockburn’s and for the next 8 years worked closely with the ex partner John Smithes in the tasting room, on the production side and in vineyard management. In 1980 at the age of 28 he was made a director. A bright future lay ahead but he wanted to be his own boss. Johnny married in 1980. Caroline, his wife, is a Churchill. Together they formed Churchill Graham Lda and in 1981 he decided to leave Cockburn’s to set up his own Port Wine Company. Despite offers of permanent jobs, he agreed to work as a consultant for Taylor’s while starting his Company. In the meantime local Port farmers had learned that he wanted to set up on his own and were keen to help. In particular, Borges de Sousa who had excellent properties offered a deal. Clearly the wine could not be called Grahams’ – the family business had been sold in 1970 to the Symingtons – so what better name than his wife’s maiden name Churchill. In the beginning, Churchill’s rented a lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia from Taylor’s but very soon bigger premises were required. With the Port trade in full expansion space was at a premium. Johnny bought three ruined lodges in Rua da Fonte Nova overlooking the river Douro. They have now been fully renovated. Churchill’s has met with increasing success in the USA. With the projected growth in sales it became clear that the Company had to acquire some of is own vineyards to secure on going supply of quality Port. With the purchase of Quinta da Gricha and Quinta do Rio, both renowned Grade A vineyards in the premium Cima Corgo region of the Douro, Churchill’s is now in control from grape to bottle. Read less

Editorial Reviews for Graham's "Six Grapes" Oporto

Floral and almost herbal on the nose with layers of tea like aromas adding really intriguing complexity to the base of cocoa-dusted, dried cherry fruit. Soft and easy going in the mouth, this doesn’t come off as particularly sweet but might benefit from a little more acidity adding some liveliness to the palate. The flavor profile is lovely and full of black cherry. Faint medicinal tones, hints of pollen, raspberry, black currant and caramel are all melded together into one subtle and smooth package. The finish is kind of structured with dusty tannins and more than enough acidity to refresh the palate. 88pts

Member Reviews for Graham's "Six Grapes" Oporto

Almost maroon in color. Nose of plum and dried cherries with hints of liquorice. Also a distinct stewed fruit quality as if it was my mom prepareing Jam! Med weight with a nice richness and no alcohol presence, also the tannins seem soft but noticeable. Big fruit, almost candy like with cherry, strawberry, and a light smokiness. Very nice. C5+A12+T16+O8=91 [91]

W & J Graham makes one of the best known Reserve Port brands. And a great wine it is, too. It is soft, but there are tannins. It is fruity, but there is good concentration. And with its flavors of ripe, black figs and dark chocolate, it is an immediately appealing wine.